Therapy

Exercise is therapy. Among many things, I am an adamant cyclist; though I have not been cycling for long it had fused itself into my bones and become a passion. It is something that I find ironic because it wasn’t long ago that I found bikers to be obnoxious, road hogging, spandex-wearing, leg-shaving neurotic individuals, but not I have cast my in my lot with them and I am not ashamed. I am now a spandex-wearing, non-leg shaving (that would be too painful and difficult, I would compare shaving my legs to cutting down a small forest) cyclist and I love every minuet that I am on my bike. Why the drastic change of heart, and the new found love for all things form fitting and aerodynamic? Its because biking affords, for me, freedom; peace in my heart and a clarity in mind that cannot be found in anywhere else, with the exception of Christ.

                There is something simplistically beautiful about cycling. The rhythm and cadence of a ride serves to calm the soul. Paradoxically, cycling calms the heart. While the heart begins to thrum and beat vigorously with the effort of climbing a hill or maintaining a strong pace, the tension of fears, doubts and concerns loosen its grip, and the heart beats with steady, smooth confidence.

                Oddly enough I enjoy the pain that comes from riding my bike; it’s a source of self-satisfaction and accomplishment because it means that I am working hard, that I am doing my best and holding nothing back, which is good for me because often I let fear get the best of me and keep me from being bold. The pain also distracts the mind from the normal cares of the world. It is a way to empty the mind and focus on only what is present, what is right before me. I often view hills I ride up as the challenges that I face in life. I will label a hill a specific problem in my life and attack it with vigor. As I conquer hills on my bike, I feel confidence for conquering hills in my life; I feel reassured that I can overcome and that there is an end to the struggle.

Cycling means much more to me than just an opportunity to sport tight little shorts and freshly shaven legs (one day I will shave them, but probably not anytime soon) it’s an opportunity to get a grip on life and to see the simplistic beauty that Is all around me.

                So next time there is a cyclist on the road and they aren’t being the most intelligent rider, be patient with them, and understand that this is probably their special time to enjoy life. It is simply fantastic to be riding alone through the mountains in majestic silence as the sun comes up over the ridge; or riding along the coast as the sun sets over the ocean. There is nothing else like it.